Stabilizing device for a container

ABSTRACT

A stabilizing device for a container. In one aspect, the stabilizing device comprises at least one base and a belt secured to the at least one base. The belt has a securing mechanism selectively operable to release the belt into an open position and to secure the belt in one or more closed positions. When the belt is secured about a substantially cylindrical container in one of the one or more closed positions with the base resting on a generally flat surface, the substantially cylindrical container is retained in a generally upright position and at least one portion of the at least one base extends beyond an outer perimeter of the belt to receive a user&#39;s feet so that when the user stands on the at least one portion of the base during mixing of contents of the substantially cylindrical container, movement of the substantially cylindrical container is inhibited.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to tools used in the construction andbuilding trades, and more particularly to a stabilizing device for acontainer.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In the building and construction industry, it is often necessary to mixthe contents of an open-topped, substantially cylindrical container. Forexample, a worker may need to mix paint, plaster, drywall compound, or anumber of other liquids. In many cases the container contents that mustbe mixed are viscous liquids, making it difficult to mix them unless thecontainer is stabilized. One way this has traditionally been done is forthe worker to hold the substantially cylindrical container between hisor her legs while mixing. However, this can adversely affect theworker's balance, and often requires the worker's legs to be in anuncomfortable position.

A number of different types of apparatus have been proposed to assistworkers in retaining a container while mixing its contents. Theseinclude devices disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,936,926, 3,642,239,4,998,696, 5,232,188, D383,271, 6,464,184, 6,829,800, 6,942,191,7,178,766 (also published as US2005/0045780) and 7,261,262, andpublished U.S. Patent Applications No. 2004/0084599 and 2006/0124808.

U.S. Pat. No. D281,364 discloses a dolly for holding and tilting abucket, U.S. Pat. No. D286,508 discloses a pouring cover for paint cans,U.S. Pat. No. D474,404 discloses a paint can holder, U.S. Pat. No.3,590,988 discloses display and shipping containers, and U.S. Pat. No.4,726,553 discloses a drinking cup stabilizer.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a stabilizing devicefor a container. The device comprises at least one base and at least onebelt secured to the at least one base. Each at least one belt has asecuring mechanism selectively operable to release that respective atleast one belt into an open position and to secure that respective atleast one belt in one or more closed positions. When the at least onebelt is secured about a substantially cylindrical container in one ofthe one or more closed positions with the base resting on a generallyflat surface, the substantially cylindrical container is retained in agenerally upright position and at least one portion of the at least onebase extends beyond an outer perimeter of the belt to receive a user'sfeet. When the user stands on the at least one portion of the baseduring mixing of contents of the substantially cylindrical container,movement of the substantially cylindrical container is inhibited.

Preferably, the at least one portion of the at least one base thatextends beyond an outer perimeter of the at least one belt to receive auser's feet comprises two opposed foot-receiving elements. The twoopposed foot-receiving elements may be offset from a diameter of one ofthe at least one belt when the at least one belt is in one of the one ormore closed position.

The at least one belt preferably has an inner surface having an engagingtexture.

In one embodiment, the at least one base comprises telescoping elementseach having a proximal end and a distal end, and the at least one beltcomprises an upper belt secured to the distal ends of the telescopingelements. Preferably, the distal ends of the telescoping elements aresized and shaped to fit within and engage a handle recess adjacent anupper end of the substantially cylindrical container so as to furtherinhibit movement of the substantially cylindrical container. In aparticular embodiment, the base comprises a retaining ring for receivinga lower end of the substantially cylindrical container. In anotherparticular embodiment, the at least one belt further comprises a lowerbelt secured to the proximal ends of the telescoping elements.

In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a stabilizingdevice for a container. The stabilizing device comprises at least oneflexible belt securable in an encircling and engaging relationship witha substantially cylindrical container of corresponding size, and atleast one base. The at least one base includes at least onefoot-receiving element, and the at least one belt is secured to the atleast one base. When the belt is secured in the encircling and engagingrelationship, the at least one foot-receiving element extends beyond acircumference of the belt so that when a user stands on the at least onefoot-receiving element during mixing of contents of the substantiallycylindrical container, movement of the substantially cylindricalcontainer is inhibited.

In one embodiment, the at least one base comprises two distinct baseseach having a foot-receiving element. Preferably, each distinct base isslidably secured to the at least one belt.

In another embodiment, the at least one base comprises telescopingelements each having a proximal end and a distal end, and the at leastone belt comprises an upper belt secured to the distal ends of thetelescoping elements. Preferably, the distal ends of the telescopingelements are sized and shaped to fit within and engage a handle recessadjacent an upper end of the substantially cylindrical container so asto further inhibit movement of the substantially cylindrical container.In one particular embodiment, the base comprises a retaining ring forreceiving a lower end of the substantially cylindrical container. Inanother particular embodiment, the at least one belt further comprises alower belt secured to the proximal ends of the telescoping elements.Preferably, each at least one belt has an inner surface having anengaging texture.

In a still further aspect, the present invention is directed to astabilizing device for a container. The stabilizing device comprises acrossbar member having two ends and a stabilizer member extendingsubstantially perpendicularly to the crossbar member from between thetwo ends thereof so as to form a T-shape. The base has two opposedfoot-receiving elements disposed at the two ends of the crossbar member.The stabilizing device further comprises a flexible belt secured to thebase. The belt has a selectively operable securing mechanism so that thebelt can be released to an open position and secured in at least oneclosed position, and is secured to the base at the two ends of thecrossbar member so that the two opposed foot-receiving elements extendoutwardly beyond a circumference of the belt when the belt is in aclosed position. The stabilizing device is configured so that when thebelt is in a closed position, an inner surface of the belt can engage anouter surface of a suitably sized substantially cylindrical container soas to retain the container with a bottom surface thereof resting on thebase and inhibit movement of the container during mixing of contents ofthe container when a user stands on the opposed foot-receiving elements.Preferably, the inner surface of the belt has an engaging texture.

In one embodiment, a closed position enables the inner surface of thebelt to engage a substantially cylindrical container having an upperdiameter of approximately 12 inches and a lower diameter ofapproximately 10⅝ inches.

In a still further aspect, the present invention is directed to astabilizing device for a container. The stabilizing device comprises agenerally planar base having at least one foot receiving region, and aplurality of spaced apart container-engaging elements, at least one ofwhich is movable and lockable relative to the base. When a substantiallycylindrical container is placed upright on the base, with the baseresting on a generally flat surface, the at least one movable andlockable element can be moved into engagement with an outer surface ofthe container so that the container engaging elements engage an outersurface of the container whereby the container is stabilized in agenerally upright position by the plurality of container-engagingelements.

In one embodiment, the base comprises a first part and a second partthat are foldably secured to each other.

In one embodiment, each container-engaging element other than the atleast one movable and lockable element is pivotally secured to the base.

In one embodiment, each container-engaging element has an arcuatecontainer-engaging surface complementary to a substantially cylindricalouter surface of a container.

In one embodiment, the plurality of spaced apart container-engagingelements comprises three container-engaging elements, one of which isslidable and lockable relative to the base and the other two of whichare pivotally mounted to the base.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features of the invention will become more apparent fromthe following description in which reference is made to the appendeddrawings wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a first exemplary embodiment of a stabilizing device, in anopen position, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 2 shows the stabilizing device of FIG. 1 in a closed position, inaccordance with an aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 3 shows the stabilizing device of FIG. 1 in a closed position andsecuring a substantially cylindrical container, in accordance with anaspect of the present invention;

FIG. 4 shows a second exemplary embodiment of a stabilizing device, inan open position, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a more detailed view of a portion of the stabilizing device ofFIG. 4, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 6 shows a third exemplary embodiment of a stabilizing device, in anopen position, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 7 shows a fourth exemplary embodiment of a stabilizing device, inan open position, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 8 shows the stabilizing device of FIG. 7 in a closed position andsecuring a substantially cylindrical container, in accordance with anaspect of the present invention;

FIG. 9 shows a fifth exemplary embodiment of a stabilizing device, in anopen position, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 10 shows the stabilizing device of FIG. 9 in a closed position andsecuring a substantially cylindrical container, in accordance with anaspect of the present invention;

FIG. 11 shows a sixth exemplary embodiment of a stabilizing device, inan open position, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 12 shows a seventh exemplary embodiment of a stabilizing device, ina closed position, in accordance with an aspect of the presentinvention;

FIG. 13 shows a latching mechanism used for securing the stabilizingdevice of FIG. 12 in an open position, in accordance with an aspect ofthe present invention;

FIG. 14 shows an eighth exemplary embodiment of a stabilizing device, inan open position, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a top view of an exemplary alternative embodiment of astabilizing device in a closed position and securing a substantiallycylindrical container, in accordance with an aspect of the presentinvention;

FIG. 16A shows an exemplary embodiment of a base for use with certainembodiments according to aspects of the present invention;

FIG. 16B is a top view of the base of FIG. 16A;

FIG. 17A is a substantially cylindrical container in accordance withwhich certain embodiments according to aspects of the present inventionmay be used; and

FIG. 17B shows a portion of the container of FIG. 17A, engaged by aportion of the stabilizing device of FIG. 14.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With reference now to FIG. 1, an embodiment of a stabilizing device fora substantially cylindrical container is shown generally at 10. Thestabilizing device 10 comprises a base 12 and a flexible belt 14. Thebelt 14 is secured to the base 12. The belt 14 may be secured to thebase 12 by any suitable arrangement, including riveting, bolting, orother appropriate techniques. In the particular embodiment shown inFIGS. 1 to 3, the belt is attached by riveting of the belt to brackets15 forming part of the base 12. Also in the particular embodiment shownin FIGS. 1 to 3, the base 12 comprises a crossbar member 12A and astabilizer member 12B extending substantially perpendicularly to thecrossbar member 12A from between the ends thereof to form a T-shape. Thebase 12 also has two opposed foot-receiving elements 24A and 24B(discussed in greater detail below) disposed at the two ends of thecrossbar member 12A. The components 12A, 12B, 24A and 24B may be joinedto one another by any suitable arrangement, including welding, riveting,bolting, or a combination thereof, or the base 12 may be formed as asingle piece. The belt 14 may be made from any material havingappropriate strength and flexibility in the selected thickness,including steel and rubber.

The belt 14 has a securing mechanism 16 that is selectively operable torelease the belt 14 into an open position (as shown in FIG. 1) and tosecure the belt 14 in one or more closed positions. In the embodimentshown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the belt 14 is secured to the base 12 at the endsof the crossbar member 12A so that when the belt 14 is in a closedposition, the two opposed foot-receiving elements extend outwardlybeyond a circumference of the belt 14. The stabilizing device 10 isshown in FIG. 2 with the belt 14 secured in one of the closed positionsby the securing mechanism 16. As shown in FIG. 3, when the belt is in aclosed position, an inner surface 18 of the belt 14 can engage an outersurface of a suitably sized substantially cylindrical container (such assubstantially cylindrical container 20) so as to retain thesubstantially cylindrical container with a bottom surface thereofresting on the base 12 and inhibit movement of the container duringmixing of the contents thereof when a user stands on the opposedfoot-receiving elements.

The inner surface 18 of the belt 14 preferably has an engaging texture,that is, a texture adapted to grippingly engage an outer surface of acontainer. For example, a layer, or individual pieces, of rubber or asimilar resilient material could be disposed on the inner surface 18 ofthe belt 14 (for example by spraying), or the inner surface 18 of thebelt 14 could have a mesh or other grip-enhancing texture to facilitateengagement with an outer surface of a container. The container-engagingtexture could be inherent in the material of which the belt is made (forexample if the belt is made from rubber).

A securing mechanism for a belt forming part of a stabilizing deviceaccording to an aspect of the present invention may be any suitablesecuring mechanism that is selectively operable to release a belt intoan open position and to secure that belt in one or more closedpositions, whether such mechanism is now extant or is subsequentlydeveloped. Such mechanisms include, but are not limited to a latch, aclamp, a magnetic fastener, hook-and-loop straps (e.g. Velcro®-typehook-and-loop straps), and suitable adaptations of traditional beltbuckles such as those used on belts associated with clothing. Typically,but not necessarily, the securing mechanism will comprise twocooperating components. In the particular embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to3, the securing mechanism comprises a hook-and-loop (e.g. Velcro) straparrangement, in the form of “hook” strap 16A and “loop” strap 16B (therespective positions of which may optionally be reversed).

With reference now to FIG. 3, when the belt 14 is secured about thesubstantially cylindrical container 20 in an appropriate one of the oneor more closed positions with the base 12 resting on a generally flatsurface, the substantially cylindrical container 20 is retained in agenerally upright position and two portions 24A, 24B of the base 12extend beyond the outer perimeter of the belt 14 to receive a user'sfeet. Accordingly, when the user stands on the portions 24A, 24B of thebase 12 that extend beyond the outer perimeter of the belt 14 duringmixing of the contents 22 of the substantially cylindrical container 20,movement of the substantially cylindrical container 20 is inhibited.Thus, the stabilizing device 10 comprises a flexible belt 14 securablein an encircling and engaging relationship with a substantiallycylindrical container (such as substantially cylindrical container 20)of corresponding size, and a base 12 comprising two foot-receivingelements 24A, 24B, with the belt 14 secured to the base 12. When thebelt 14 is secured in the encircling and engaging relationship (as shownin FIG. 3), the foot-receiving elements 24A, 24B extend beyond acircumference of the belt 14. When a user stands on the foot-receivingelements 24A, 24B during mixing of the contents 22 of the substantiallycylindrical container 20, movement of the substantially cylindricalcontainer 20 is inhibited.

In a preferred embodiment, the two opposed foot-receiving elements 24A,24B are offset from a diameter D₃ of the belt 14 when the belt 14 issecured about the substantially cylindrical container 20 in one of theone or more closed position. This offset position may assist a user inmore comfortably positioning his or her feet when mixing the contents(such as contents 22) of a substantially cylindrical container (such asthe substantially cylindrical container 20).

With reference now to FIG. 4, an alternative embodiment of a stabilizingdevice according to an aspect of the present invention is showngenerally at 400. Similarly to the stabilizing device 10 shown in FIGS.1 to 3, the stabilizing device 400 comprises at least one base in theform of two bases 412 and a belt 414 secured to the bases 412 and havingdisposed thereon a securing mechanism 416 that is selectively operableto release the belt 414 into an open position (as shown in FIG. 4) andto secure the belt 414 in one or more closed positions (not shown).Analogously to the stabilizing device 10 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, in theparticular exemplary embodiment 400 shown in FIG. 4, the securingmechanism 416 comprises a Velcro-type hook-and-loop strap arrangement,in the form of “hook” strap 416A and “loop” strap 416B (optionally, theposition of the “hook” strap 416A and “loop” strap 416B may bereversed). However, the securing mechanism 416 may alternatively be anyother suitable securing mechanism, including but not limited to a latch,a clamp, a magnetic fastener, and suitable adaptations of traditionalbelt buckles such as those used on belts associated with clothing. Thebelt 414 can be made from any suitable material having appropriatestrength and flexibility in the selected thickness and, as with thestabilizing device 10 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the inner surface 418 ofthe belt 414 of the stabilizing device 400 preferably has acontainer-engaging texture.

In the stabilizing device 400 shown in FIG. 4, the at least one base 412comprises two bases 412, namely the two opposed foot-receiving elements424A and 424B, which are secured only to the belt 414. The two opposedfoot-receiving elements 424A and 424B may be secured to the belt 414 byany suitable arrangement, such as by bolting, riveting, or the like.Preferably, the two opposed foot-receiving elements 424A and 424B aresecured to the belt 414 by way of loop elements 430A and 430B,respectively, which are secured to their respective foot-receivingelements 424A and 424B and are slidably received on the belt 414. Theloop elements 430A and 430B being slidably received on the belt 414facilitates adjustment of the placement of the foot-receiving elements424A and 424B relative to the belt 414. A more detailed view of anexemplary embodiment of a loop element 430A is shown in FIG. 5. It willbe appreciated that when the belt 414 of the stabilizing device 400 issecured about a substantially cylindrical container in a closed position(not shown), the substantially cylindrical container can rest upright onits base and the foot-receiving elements 424A and 424B will rest on thatsame surface and will extend beyond the outer perimeter of the belt 414to receive the user's feet so that when a user stands on thefoot-receiving elements 424A, 424B during mixing of contents of thesubstantially cylindrical container, movement of the substantiallycylindrical container is inhibited. Thus, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, thestabilizing device 400 comprises a flexible belt 414 securable in anencircling and engaging relationship with a substantially cylindricalcontainer of corresponding size, and two distinct bases 412 each havinga foot-receiving element 424A, 424B, with the belt 414 being slidablysecured to each distinct base 412. When the belt 414 is secured in anencircling and engaging relationship, the foot-receiving elements 424A,424B extend beyond a circumference of the belt 414. When the user standson the foot-receiving elements 424A, 424B during mixing of contents ofthe substantially cylindrical container, movement of the substantiallycylindrical container will be inhibited.

With reference now to FIG. 6, a further alternative embodiment of astabilizing device according to an aspect of the present invention isshown generally at 600. The stabilizing device 600 comprises a base 612and a belt 614 secured thereto, the belt 614 having a securing mechanismthat is selectively operable to release the belt 614 into an openposition and to secure the belt 614 in one of a plurality of closedpositions. In the particular embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the securingmechanism is an adapted conventional belt buckle arrangement 616comprising buckle 616A and a plurality of holes 616B; alternatively, thesecuring mechanism may be any other suitable securing mechanism,including but not limited to a latch, a clamp, a magnetic fastener, andVelcro-type hook and loop fasteners. The inner surface 618 of the belt614 of the stabilizing device 600 preferably has an engaging texture forengaging an outer surface of a container. The belt 614 may be formedfrom any material having the appropriate strength and flexibility in theselected thickness.

The base 612 of the stabilizing device 600 shown in FIG. 6 comprises twoopposed foot-receiving elements 624A and 624B secured to anadjustable-length element 632. Securing of the foot-receiving elements624A and 624B to the adjustable-length element 632 may be by anysuitable arrangement, including welding, riveting, bolting, integralforming, or the like. The base 612 is secured to the belt 614 by way ofloop elements 630A and 630B similar to the loop elements 430A and 430Bdescribed in the context of the securing device 400 (FIG. 4); otherarrangements may also be used. The loop elements 630A and 630B may besecured to the foot-receiving elements 624A and 624B, theadjustable-length element 632, or both.

In the particular embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the adjustable-lengthelement 632 comprises a receiving member 634 which slidably receives aninsertion member 636. The insertion member 636 has a plurality ofengagement holes 638 defined therethrough, and the receiving member 634includes an engaging member 640 biased such that it will engage one ofthe engagement holes 638 when it is aligned therewith, therebymaintaining the adjustable-length element 632 at a fixed length. Thispermits the adjustable-length element to be extended or retracted tocorrespond, at least approximately, to a range of diameters ofparticular types of substantially cylindrical containers in associationwith which the stabilizing device 600 is to be used. It will beappreciated that the adjustable-length member 632 should be shaped toprovide stable support to the bottom of a substantially cylindricalcontainer received thereon, and to rest stably on a flat surface. In theembodiment 600 shown in FIG. 6, the engaging member 640 is recessed insuch a way as to inhibit the base of a substantially cylindricalcontainer from inadvertently depressing the engagement member 640 anddisengaging it from one of the engagement holes 638.

When the belt 614 is secured in a closed position about a substantiallycylindrical container (not shown), with the adjustable-length member 632resting on a generally flat surface, the substantially cylindricalcontainer will be retained in a generally upright position, and thefoot-receiving elements 624A and 624B extend beyond the outer perimeterof the belt 614 to receive a user's feet and, when the user stands onthe foot-receiving elements 624A and 624B during mixing of contents ofthe substantially cylindrical container, movement of the substantiallycylindrical container is inhibited.

The particular embodiment of the adjustable-length element 632 shown inFIG. 6 is exemplary only, and any suitable telescopic or otheradjustable-length arrangement may suitably be employed without departingfrom the scope of the present invention. Moreover, while theadjustable-length element 632 shown in FIG. 6 is shown as beingsecurable at a given fixed length by way of the engagement holes 638 andengagement member 640, other mechanisms for maintaining theadjustable-length element 632 at a fixed length, whether now known orhereinafter developed, may also be used. Alternatively (not shown) anadjustable-length element used in the manner depicted in FIG. 6 need notinclude a mechanism for maintaining a fixed length. This is because,when the belt is secured about a substantially cylindrical container ina closed position, the belt and securing mechanism will tend to retainsuch an adjustable-length element at a length approximately equal to thediameter of the substantially cylindrical container. In addition, a basefor a stabilizing device according to an aspect of the present inventionmay comprise more than one adjustable-length member (not shown), forexample a plurality of parallel telescoping elements. Accordingly, thestabilizing device 600 depicted in FIG. 6 comprises a flexible belt 614securable in an encircling and engaging relationship with asubstantially cylindrical container of corresponding size, and a base612 comprising two foot-receiving elements 624A, 624B, with the belt 614secured to the base 612. When the belt 14 is secured in such anencircling and engaging relationship, the foot-receiving elements 624A,624B extend beyond a circumference of the belt 614 so that when a userstands on the foot-receiving elements 624A and 624B during mixing ofcontents of the substantially cylindrical container, movement of thesubstantially cylindrical container is inhibited.

FIG. 6 depicts a stabilizing device 600 having a base 612 that isadjustable in size so as to accommodate a variety of container sizes.Alternatively, a stabilizing device (not shown) according to an aspectof the invention may have a base of fixed size and have at least onebelt-receiving loop (or other member for securing a belt to the base)that is adjustably mounted to the base. This would facilitate adjustmentof the positions of the belt-receiving loops (or other members forsecuring a belt to the base) relative to one another, which would alsofacilitate accommodation of a variety of container sizes.

With reference now to FIGS. 7 and 8, a further exemplary embodiment of astabilizing device according to an aspect of the present invention isshown generally at 700. The stabilizing device 700 comprises a base 712,a lower belt 714 and an upper belt 760, each belt 714, 760 being securedto the base 712. The base 712 comprises a crossbar member 712A and astabilizer member 712B which together form a T-shaped surface-engagingportion, two opposed foot-receiving elements 724A and 724B, and twoopposed, generally upstanding members 750A, 750B. The members 712A,712B, 750A, 750B, and foot-receiving elements 724A, 724B forming thebase 712 may be secured to one another by any suitable arrangement,including welding, riveting, bolting, or a combination thereof.

In the particular embodiment shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the lower belt 714is secured to the base 712 by rivets 762, which secure the lower belt714 to lower portions of the upstanding members 750A, 750B. The upperbelt 760 is secured to the base 712 by rivets 764, which secure theupper belt 760 to upper portions of the upstanding members 750A, 750B.Other securing arrangements may also be used, such as a loop arrangementlike that described in the context of FIGS. 4 and 5. The lower belt 714and the upper belt 760 may be made from any material having appropriatestrength and flexibility in the selected thickness, and the lower belt714 and the upper belt 760 may be made of the same materials ordissimilar materials.

The belts 714 and 760 each have a respective securing mechanism 716,766.The securing mechanisms 716, 766 are selectively operable to releasetheir respective belts 714, 760 into an open position (as shown in FIG.7) and to secure the respective belts 714, 760 in one or more closedpositions. The belts 714, 760 have respective inner surfaces 718, 768which preferably have engaging textures for engaging an outer surface ofa container.

The securing mechanisms 716, 766 may be any suitable securingmechanisms, including but not limited to latches, clamps, magneticfasteners, hook-and-loop straps (e.g. Velcro straps), and suitableadaptations of traditional belt buckles such as those used on beltsassociated with clothing. In the particular embodiment shown in FIGS. 7and 8, the securing mechanisms 716, 766 comprise Velcro-typehook-and-loop strap arrangements, in the form of “hook” straps 716A,766A and “loop” straps 716B, 766B (optionally, the positions of the“hook” straps 716A, 766A and “loop” straps 716B, 766B may be reversed).

With reference now to FIG. 8, when the lower belt 714 and upper belt 760are secured about a substantially cylindrical container 720 in one ofthe one or more closed positions with the base 712 resting on agenerally flat surface, the substantially cylindrical container 720 isretained in a generally upright position and the foot-receiving elements724A, 724B extend beyond an outer perimeter of the belt 714 to receive auser's feet so that when a user stands on the foot-receiving elements724A and 724B during mixing of contents of the substantially cylindricalcontainer 720, movement of the substantially cylindrical container 720is inhibited. Preferably, the two opposed foot-receiving elements areoffset from a diameter D₇ of the substantially cylindrical container720.

As described, the stabilizing device 700 comprises two flexible belts714, 760, each securable in an encircling and engaging relationship witha substantially cylindrical container (such as container 720) ofcorresponding size, and a base 712 comprising two foot-receivingelements 724A, 724B, with the belts 714, 768 secured to the base 712.When the belts 714, 760 are secured in an encircling and engagingrelationship with a container (such as with container 720 as shown inFIG. 8) the foot-receiving elements 724A, 724B extend beyond acircumference of the belts 714, 760 so that when a user stands on thefoot-receiving elements 724A, 724B during mixing of contents of thecontainer 720, movement of the container 720 is inhibited. While theembodiment 700 shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 uses two belts 714, 760, it ispossible to use only a single belt, as shown in other embodimentsdescribed herein, or more than two belts (not shown). Thus, at least onebelt should be used.

The upstanding members 750A, 750B are shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 as being ofsingle-piece construction; upstanding members for use in an embodimentsimilar to the embodiment 700 shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 may also be madefrom more than one piece, and may be constructed so as to be adjustablein length. One such exemplary embodiment, using only a single belt, isdiscussed in the description of FIG. 14.

Reference is now made to FIG. 9, in which a further exemplary embodimentis shown generally at 900. The stabilizing device 900 comprises a base912 and a belt 914 secured to the base 912. The belt 914 has a securingmechanism 916 that is selectively operable to release the belt 914 intoan open position and to secure the belt 914 in a plurality of closedpositions. In the particular embodiment shown in FIG. 9, the securingmechanism 916 is a latching arrangement comprising tab-engaging member916A and a plurality of tabs 916B. Other securing mechanisms, such asVelcro-type hook-and-loop arrangements, magnetic fasteners, clamps, andsuitable adaptations of traditional belt buckles such as those used onbelts associated with clothing, may also be used. The belt 914 may beformed from any suitable material having sufficient strength andflexibility in the selected thickness, and preferably has an innersurface 918 that is adapted to engage a surface of a container.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, the base 912 comprises a singlesubstantially planar member, such as a piece of plywood, particle board,plastic, metal or other suitable material. The belt 914 is securedindirectly to the base 912 by being secured to brackets 915, which arein turn secured to the base 912. As shown in FIG. 9, the belt 914 issecured to the brackets 915, and the brackets 915 to the base 912, byway of rivets 917. However, other suitable securing arrangements mayalso be used, including but not limited to bolts, screws, welding, orforming the brackets 915 integrally with the base 912.

With reference now to FIG. 10, it will be appreciated that when the belt914 is secured about a substantially cylindrical container 920 in one ofthe plurality of closed positions with the base 912 resting on agenerally flat surface, the substantially cylindrical container 920 willbe retained in a generally upright position, and a portion 924 of thebase 912 extends beyond an outer perimeter of the belt 914 to receive auser's feet. In the particular embodiment shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, theportion 924 that extends beyond an outer perimeter of the belt 914comprises a first region 924A and second region 924B, each of whichserves to receive a user's foot. When the user stands with one foot oneach of the first region 924A and second region 924B during mixing ofcontents of the substantially cylindrical container 920, movement of thesubstantially cylindrical container 920 is inhibited. Thus, thestabilizing device 900 comprises a flexible belt 914 securable in anencircling and engaging relationship with a substantially cylindricalcontainer of corresponding size, and a base 912 which, by reason of theposition at which the belt 914 is secured to the base 912, comprises tworegions 924A, 924B which function as foot-receiving elements. When thebelt 914 is secured in the encircling and engaging relationship around asubstantially cylindrical container of corresponding size (such as thesubstantially cylindrical container 920 shown in FIG. 10), the regions924A, 924B, functioning as foot-receiving elements, extend beyond acircumference of the belt 914 so that when a user stands with one footon each of the regions 924A, 924B during mixing of contents of thesubstantially cylindrical container, movement of the substantiallycylindrical container is inhibited.

A base comprising a single planar member, such as the base 912 shown inFIGS. 9 and 10, need not have a rectangular shape. Such a base may be,for example, circular, triangular or square, or may have any otherregular or irregular shape, so long as when its respective belt issecured about a substantially cylindrical container in one of the one ormore closed positions, at least one portion of the base extends beyondan outer perimeter of the belt to receive a user's feet so that the usercan apply his or her weight to assist in stabilizing a container securedby the device. For example, a base of a stabilizing device according toan aspect of the present invention could be shaped and painted in theform of a marketing logo or insignia.

With reference now to FIG. 11, a further exemplary embodiment of astabilizing device according to an aspect of the present invention isshown generally at 1100. The stabilizing device 1100 comprises a base1112 and a belt 1114 secured to the base 1112. The belt 1114 has asecuring mechanism 1116 that is selectively operable to release the belt1114 into an open position and to secure the belt 1114 in one or moreclosed positions. In the particular embodiment shown in FIG. 11, thesecuring mechanism 1116 is a Velcro-type hook-and-loop arrangementcomprising “hook” strap 1116A and “loop” strap 1116B (optionally, thepositions of “hook” strap 1116A and “loop” strap 1116B may be reversed).Other securing mechanisms, such as latches, magnetic fasteners, clamps,and suitable adaptations of traditional belt buckles such as those usedon belts associated with clothing, may also be used. As describedpreviously, the inner surface 1118 of the belt 1114 will preferably havea texture adapted to engage an outer surface of a container.

Similarly to the embodiment 900 shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, in theembodiment shown in FIG. 11, the base 1112 comprises a single planarmember, such as a piece of plywood, particle board, plastic, metal orother suitable material. The belt 1114 is secured to brackets 1115,which are in turn secured to the base 1112. As shown in FIG. 11, thebelt 1114 is secured to the brackets 1115, and the brackets 1115 to thebase 1112, by way of rivets 1117. However, other suitable securingarrangements may also be used, including but not limited to bolts,screws, or welding, or forming the brackets 1115 integrally with thebase 1112.

When the belt 1114 is secured about a substantially cylindricalcontainer (not shown in FIG. 11) in a closed position with the base 1112resting on a generally flat surface, the substantially cylindricalcontainer will be retained in a generally upright position, and aportion 1124 of the base 1112 will extend beyond an outer perimeter ofthe belt 1114 to receive a user's feet. In the particular embodimentshown in FIG. 11, the portion 1124 that extends beyond the outerperimeter of the belt 1114 comprises a single region 1124 for receivingboth of a user's feet. When the user stands on the region 1124 duringmixing of the contents of the substantially cylindrical container,movement of the substantially cylindrical container is inhibited.Accordingly, the stabilizing device 1100 comprises a flexible belt 1114securable in an encircling and engaging relationship with asubstantially cylindrical container of corresponding size, and a base1112 which, by reason of the position at which the belt 1114 is securedto the base 1112, comprises a single region 1124 which functions as afoot-receiving element. When the belt 1114 is secured in an encirclingand engaging relationship, the region 1124 functioning as afoot-receiving element extends beyond a circumference of the belt 1114so that when a user stands on the single foot-receiving element 1124during mixing of contents of the substantially cylindrical container,movement of the substantially cylindrical container is inhibited. Thus,a single foot receiving element may be used, as shown in the embodiment1100 in FIG. 11, or more than one foot receiving element may be used, asshown in other embodiments described herein.

With reference now to FIG. 12, a still further exemplary embodiment of astabilizing device according to an aspect of the present invention isshown generally at 1200. The stabilizing device 1200 comprises at leastone base 1212 and a belt 1214 secured to the at least one base 1212. Inthe particular embodiment shown in FIG. 12, the at least one base 1212consists of two opposed foot-receiving elements 1224A and 1224B whichare hingedly mounted to the belt 1214 by hinges (the hinge 1290A formounting the foot-receiving element 1224A is visible in FIG. 12, thehinge for mounting the foot-receiving element 1224B is not visible inFIG. 12). The belt 1214 has a securing mechanism 1216 that isselectively operable to release the belt 1214 into an open position andto secure the belt 1214 in one or more closed positions. In theparticular embodiment shown in FIG. 12, the securing mechanism 1216 is alatching arrangement comprising a hooking portion 1216A and aratchet-lever portion 1216B (optionally, the positions of hookingportion 1216A and ratchet-lever portion 1216B may be reversed). FIG. 13shows a more detailed view of the latching arrangement 1216. Inparticular, the hooking portion 1216A comprises a mounting element 1292secured to the belt 1214 and a hook element 1294 pivotally secured tothe mounting element 1292, and the ratchet-lever portion 1216B comprisesa mounting element 1296 secured to the belt 1214 and a ratchet-lever1298 secured to the mounting element 1296. In operation, the belt 1214can be secured in one of a plurality of closed positions by selectivelyengaging the hook element 1294 with one of the ratchet notches on theratchet-lever 1298. Other securing mechanisms, such as Velcro-typehook-and-loop attachments, magnetic fasteners, clamps, and suitableadaptations of traditional belt buckles such as those used on beltsassociated with clothing, may also be used. As described previously, theinner surface 1218 of the belt 1214 will preferably have a textureadapted to engage an outer surface of a container.

When the belt 1214 is secured about a substantially cylindricalcontainer (not shown) in one of the one or more closed positions withthe at least one base 1212 (i.e. the foot-receiving elements 1224A and1224B) resting on a generally flat surface, the substantiallycylindrical container will be retained in a generally upright positionand the foot-receiving elements 1224A, 1224B will extend beyond an outerperimeter of the belt 1214 to receive a user's feet. Therefore, when auser stands on the foot-receiving elements 1224A, 1224B during mixing ofcontents of the substantially cylindrical container, movement of thesubstantially cylindrical container is inhibited. Preferably, the twoopposed foot-receiving elements are offset from a diameter of thesubstantially cylindrical container. Thus, as shown in FIG. 12, thestabilizing device 1200 comprises a flexible belt 1214 securable in anencircling and engaging relationship with a substantially cylindricalcontainer of corresponding size, and two distinct bases 1212 each havinga foot-receiving element 1224A, 1224B, with the belt 1214 being securedto each distinct base 1212. When the belt 1214 is secured in theencircling and engaging relationship, the foot-receiving elements 1224A,1224B extend beyond a circumference of the belt 1214 so that when a userstands on the foot-receiving elements 1224A, 1224B during mixing ofcontents of the substantially cylindrical container, movement of thesubstantially cylindrical container is inhibited.

With reference now to FIG. 14, a further exemplary embodiment of astabilizing device according to an aspect of the present invention isshown generally at 1400. The stabilizing device 1400 comprises a base1412 and a belt 1414 secured to the base 1412. The base 1412 comprises afirst member 1412A and a second member 1412B which together form aT-shaped surface-engaging portion, two opposed foot-receiving elements1424A and 1424B, and two opposed, generally upstanding telescopingelements 1450A, 1450B. The telescoping elements 1450A, 1450B each have arespective proximal end 1442A, 1442B and a respective distal end 1440A,1440B, with the proximal ends 1442A, 1442B being the ends that areclosest to the portion of the base 1412 that will rest on the surfacewhere the stabilizing device 1400 is to be used. The distal ends 1440A,1440B are those ends that project furthest from the surface on which thebase 1412 will rest. In the particular embodiment shown, the telescopingelement 1450A comprises three telescope members 1452A, 1452B and 1452C,wherein telescope member 1452A is slidably received within telescopemember 1452B which is in turn slidably received within telescope member1452C. Similarly, in the particular embodiment shown, the telescopingelement 1450B comprises three telescope members 1454A, 1454B and 1454C,wherein telescope member 1454A is slidably received within telescopemember 1454B which is in turn slidably received within telescope member1454C. Optionally, the telescoping elements 1450A, 1450B may be providedwith a mechanism so as to be lockable in an extended position.

The belt 1414 is secured to the topmost telescope members 1452A and1454A, and hence to the telescoping elements 1450A and 1450B and thus tothe base 1412, by any suitable method. Thus, in this embodiment 1400 thebelt 1414 is an upper belt secured to the distal ends 1440A, 1440B ofthe telescoping elements 1450A, 1450B. The members 1412A, 1412B,telescoping elements 1450A, 1450B, and foot-receiving elements 1424A,1424B which together form the base 1412 may be secured to one another byany suitable arrangement, including welding, riveting, bolting, or acombination thereof.

The belt 1414 may be made from any material having appropriate strengthand flexibility in the selected thickness, and has a securing mechanism1416 that is selectively operable to release the belt 1414 into an openposition and to secure the belt 1414 in one or more closed positions.The belt 1414 has an inner surface 1418 which preferably has an engagingtexture adapted to engage an outer surface of a substantiallycylindrical container. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 14, the securingmechanism 1416 is a latching arrangement comprising a hooking portion1416A and a ratchet-lever portion 1416B (optionally, the positions ofhooking portion 1416A and ratchet-lever portion 1416B may be reversed).The hooking portion 1416A comprises a mounting element 1492 secured tothe belt 1414 and a hook element 1494 pivotally secured to the mountingelement 1492, and the ratchet-lever portion 1416B comprises a mountingelement 1496 secured to the belt 1414 and a ratchet-lever 1498 securedto the mounting element 1496. In operation, the belt 1414 can be securedin one of a plurality of closed positions by selectively engaging thehook element 1494 with one of the ratchet notches on the ratchet-lever1498. The securing mechanism 1416 may be any suitable securingmechanism, including but not limited to latches, clamps, magneticfasteners, hook-and-loop straps (e.g. Velcro straps), and suitableadaptations of traditional belt buckles such as those used on beltsassociated with clothing. A retaining ring 1426 for receiving a lowerend of a substantially cylindrical container is secured to the lowermosttelescope members 1452C and 1454C (and may optionally be secured to themember 1412B) to inhibit movement of a lower portion of a container.Thus, the retaining ring 1426 is secured to the respective proximal ends1442A, 1442B of the telescoping elements 1450A, 1450B. The retainingring may be made of a rigid material, sized to receive the largestcontainer that the stabilizing device 1400 is intended to accommodate,resulting in some limited movement of the bottom of a smaller containerduring mixing. Optionally, the retaining ring 1426 may be detachablysecured to the lowermost telescope members 1452C and 1454C, to enableuse of the stabilizing device 1400 without the retaining ring 1426 whenthe telescoping elements 1450A and 1450B are in a collapsed position.The foot-receiving element 1424A has a heel stop 1428.

When the belt 1414 is secured about a substantially cylindricalcontainer in one of the one or more closed positions with the base 1412resting on a generally flat surface, the substantially cylindricalcontainer will be retained in a generally upright position and thefoot-receiving elements 1424A, 1424B will extend beyond an outerperimeter of the belt 1414 to receive a user's feet. As a result, when auser stands on the foot-receiving elements 1424A, 1424B during mixing ofcontents of the substantially cylindrical container, movement of thesubstantially cylindrical container is inhibited. Preferably, the twoopposed foot-receiving elements are offset from a diameter of thesubstantially cylindrical container. The stabilizing device 1400 shownin FIG. 14 comprises a flexible belt 1414 securable in an encircling andengaging relationship with a substantially cylindrical container ofcorresponding size, and a base 1412 having two foot-receiving elements1424A, 1424B, with the belt 1414 being secured to the base 1412. Whenthe belt 1414 is secured in an encircling and engaging relationship, thefoot-receiving elements 1424A, 1424B extend beyond a circumference ofthe belt 1414 so that when a user stands on the foot-receiving elements1424A, 1424B during mixing of the contents of the substantiallycylindrical container, movement of the substantially cylindricalcontainer is inhibited.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 17A and 17B. In FIG. 17A, an exemplarysubstantially cylindrical container is shown at 1720. The substantiallycylindrical container 1720 has two opposed handle recesses 1725 (onlyone of which is shown in FIG. 17A) defined in its outer surface adjacentthe upper end 1735 of the substantially cylindrical container 1720. Anaperture 1745 in each handle recess 1725 receives a handle 1755; thehandle 1755 may have a grip 1765. With reference now to FIG. 17B, in apreferred embodiment the distal ends 1440A, 1440B of the telescopingelements 1450A, 1450B (only telescoping element 1450A and distal end1440A thereof are shown in FIG. 17B) are sized and shaped to fit withinand engage the handle recesses 1725 of the substantially cylindricalcontainer 1720. Because the telescoping elements 1450A, 1450B are rigid,and are held in position by the belt 1414, engagement of the distal ends1440A, 1440B of the telescoping elements 1450A, 1450B with the handlerecesses 1725 serves to further inhibit movement of the substantiallycylindrical container 1720, specifically twisting (i.e. rotational)movement thereof. In particular, and still referring to FIG. 17B,twisting movement of the substantially cylindrical container 1720 willbe resisted because rotation of the substantially cylindrical container1720 will cause an inner edge of each handle recess 1725 to push againstthe respective telescope member 1452A, 1452B (only telescope member1452A being shown in FIG. 17B) so that the telescope members 1452A,1752B inhibit further rotation of the substantially cylindricalcontainer 1720.

In an alternative embodiment, a stabilizing device similar to thestabilizing device 1400 described in the context of FIG. 14 may have twobelts rather than one, analogously to the stabilizing device 700described in respect of FIGS. 7 and 8. Thus, instead of a retaining ring1426, a lower belt (not shown) may be secured to the respective proximalends 1442A, 1442B of the telescoping elements 1450A, 1450B.

Reference is now made to FIG. 15. An alternate embodiment for astabilizing device according to an aspect of the present invention isshown generally at 1500. The stabilizing device 1500 includes agenerally planar base 1512, which comprises first and second parts1512A, 1512B, respectively, which are foldably secured to one another byhinges 1513, which may optionally be recessed within the base 1512. Thefirst and second parts 1512A, 1512B may fold, by way of hinges 1513,along the line L in order to facilitate storage and transportation ofthe stabilizing device 1500. While the first and second parts 1512A,1512B are approximately equal in size as shown in FIG. 15, the first andsecond parts 1512A, 1512B may be of equal or of unequal sizes.Optionally, the aforesaid hinged folding arrangement may be omitted, andthe base 1512 may be a single piece. The first part 1512A of the base1512 includes two foot-receiving regions 1548; in an alternativeembodiment (not shown) the foot-receiving regions 1548 may be in anothersuitable position, such as on the second part of the base.

The first part 1512A of the base 1512 has a movable container engagingelement 1540 slidably mounted thereto by way of slide lock mechanism1542, which allows the movable container engaging element 1540 to bemoved toward and away from the line L and locked in one or more securingpositions to engage a substantially cylindrical container, such assubstantially cylindrical container 1520. Any suitable sliding andlocking arrangement may be substituted for slide lock mechanism 1540,and the movable container engaging element 1540 may be slidably securedto the first part 1512A by any suitable arrangement.

The second part 1512B of the base 1512 has two pivoting containerengaging elements 1544, which are pivotally secured to the base 1512 bypivot pins 1546 (other methods of pivotally securing the pivotingcontainer engaging elements 1544 may also be used). The movablecontainer engaging element 1540 has a generally arcuate or concavecontainer engaging surface 1543, and the two pivoting container engagingelements 1544 each have generally arcuate or concave container-engagingsurfaces 1545. The container engaging surfaces 1543, 1545 are shaped soas to be complementary to the exterior surface of a substantiallycylindrical container, such as substantially cylindrical container 1520.The movable container engaging element 1540 and the two pivotingcontainer engaging elements 1544 are positioned in a generallytriangular arrangement so that they cooperate with one another to retainand increase the stability of a substantially cylindrical container whenthe slide lock mechanism 1542 has secured the movable container engagingelement 1540 in an appropriate position. The fact that the movablecontainer engaging element 1540 is slidable towards and away from thecontainer, and the fact that the two pivoting container engagingelements 1544 are pivotally secured to the base 1512, permits thestabilizing device 1500 to accommodate a range of sizes of container.Optionally, if it is desired to accommodate only a single size ofsubstantially cylindrical container, the container engaging elements1544 may be fixedly (i.e. non-pivotally) secured to the base.

Now referring to FIGS. 16A and 16B, an exemplary embodiment of a basefor use with certain embodiments of aspects of the present invention isshown generally at 1612. The base 1612 comprises a crossbar member 1612Ahaving two ends and a stabilizer member 1612B extending substantiallyperpendicularly from the crossbar member 1612 between the two endsthereof so as to form a T-shape, and two opposed foot-receiving elements1624A and 1624B disposed at the ends of the crossbar member 1612A. Therelative positioning of an exemplary substantially cylindrical container1620, and hence of a belt (not shown) according to an aspect of thepresent invention, is shown in phantom in FIG. 16B. In certainembodiments, a belt according to aspects of the present invention may besecured to the base 1612 at the regions 1626A, 1626B near theconjunction of the first member 1612A and the foot-receiving elements1624A and 1624B (respectively). Such a belt may optionally, but neednot, be secured to the region 1628 near the end of the second member1612B. Similarly, it will be appreciated that optionally, alternateversions of the embodiments 10 (FIGS. 1 to 3), 700 (FIGS. 7 and 8) 900(FIGS. 9 and 10) and 1100 (FIG. 11) need not have the (lower) beltsecured to the base at the respective third position analogous to theregion 1628.

A belt forming part of a stabilizing device according to an aspect ofthe present invention need not consist of a single flexible piece, andmay comprise a plurality of individual sections, which individualsections may be rigid or flexible, or a combination thereof, so long asthe belt as a whole retains sufficient flexibility to retain asubstantially cylindrical container in accordance with aspects of thepresent invention. For example, a belt may comprise a plurality of rigidor resilient sections hinged to one another, for example in a manneranalogous to a track of a tracked vehicle.

While the belt of a stabilizing device according to an aspect of thepresent invention may have only a single closed position, it ispreferable for such a belt to have more than one closed position, sincehaving more than one closed position enables the belt, and therefore thestabilizing device, to accommodate more than one size of container.Depending on the particular type of securing mechanism used, such a beltmay have one or more discrete closed positions (such as with, e.g., anadaptation from a traditional belt buckle) or may have a plurality ofclosed positions in the sense of being continuously adjustable between aclosed position of maximum circumference and a closed position ofminimum circumference (such as with, e.g., Velcro-type hook-and-loopstraps). In addition, a securing mechanism used as part of an embodimentof an aspect of the present invention may comprise a plurality ofindividual securing apparatus, such as two or more clamps, latches,magnetic fasteners, Velcro-type hook-and-loop straps, adaptations oftraditional belt buckles, or a non-homogenous combination of two or moreindividual securing apparatus.

Particular embodiments described herein have included foot-receivingelements as part of the base of a stabilizing device. In certainalternative embodiments in addition to that shown in FIG. 12,foot-receiving elements can be adapted to fold relative to the remainderof the base, for example by way of hinged attachment, to facilitatestorage and transportation of a stabilizing device according to anaspect of the present invention. In addition, one or more foot-receivingelements may be provided with a heel safety stop, such as (but notlimited to) the heel stop 1428 shown in FIG. 14.

Reference has been made herein to the use of Velcro-type hook-and-loopfastening arrangements. Hook-and-loop fasteners made by entities otherthan Velcro Industries B.V. and its affiliates may also be used, subjectto any relevant intellectual property rights, without departing from thescope of the present invention.

Brackets (such as brackets 15, 915 and 1115), loops (such as loops 430A,430B and 630A, 630B) and attachment directly to upstanding members 750A,750B or to telescoping elements 1450A, 1450B have been described astechniques by which a belt can be secured to a base in accordance withan aspect of the present invention. It will be appreciated that themethod of attachment, as well as the number and spacing of attachmentelements (e.g. brackets, loops, and the like) will affect the range ofsizes of containers that can be accommodated by a stabilizing deviceaccording to an aspect of the present invention. In particular, incertain embodiments shown and described herein, the belt (or belts) arefixedly, rather than movably, secured to the base at two or three pointsso that the belt has a fixed chord or diameter between the securingpoints. In addition, in certain embodiments where the belt is slidablymounted to the base, the belt will be restricted to a fixed lineardistance between the securing points (which may or may not be adiameter). Nonetheless, even in such embodiments it is possible toaccommodate a range of container sizes by selecting different closedpositions of the belt, although the magnitude of the range of containersizes that can be accommodated will of course be limited by theaforesaid considerations. Preferably, a stabilizing device according toan aspect of the present invention is configured to at least accommodatesubstantially cylindrical containers that have a diameter ofapproximately 12 inches (approximately 30.4 to 30.5 centimeters) attheir upper end and a diameter of approximately 10⅝ inches(approximately 26.9 to 27.0 centimeters) at their lower end. Beltsaccording to aspects of the present invention may (by way of exampleonly) have a first closed position that enables the inner surface of thebelt to engage a substantially cylindrical container having a firstsize, and a second closed position that enables the inner surface of thebelt to engage a substantially cylindrical container having a secondsize that is different from the first size, with size being measured atthe position where the belt engages the substantially cylindricalcontainer. Alternatively, the belt may have a single closed positionthat enables the inner surface of the belt to engage a substantiallycylindrical container of a single size.

Reference has been made herein to various substantially cylindricalcontainers 20 (FIG. 3), 720 (FIG. 8), 920 (FIG. 10), 1520 (FIG. 15) and1720 (FIGS. 17A and 17B). Neither the substantially cylindricalcontainers 20, 720, 920, 1520, 1720 shown herein, nor any othercontainer, form part of the present invention, and any references tocontainers in the claims are intended solely to define attributes of theinvention and not to define any container as a component of anyembodiment of any aspect of the invention. Rather, substantiallycylindrical containers 20, 720, 920, 1520, 1720 are merely exemplarycontainers representative of containers in association with whichembodiments of aspects of the present invention may be used. Asubstantially cylindrical container, such as the substantiallycylindrical containers 20, 720, 920, 1520, 1720 may be of any size thatcan be securely accommodated and retained by the belt when the belt isin a closed position. In addition, it is to be appreciated that whilecontainers in association with which aspects of the present inventionare to be used have been referred to herein as being substantiallycylindrical, such containers need not be perfectly cylindrical in ageometric sense. Specifically, but without limitation, the term“substantially cylindrical container”, as used herein, is intended toencompass containers having a slightly frusto-conical shape, such ascontainers that taper slightly from top to bottom. For example, certainfive gallon buckets in association with which embodiments of aspects ofthe present invention may be used have an upper diameter ofapproximately 12 inches (approximately 30.4 to 30.5 centimeters) and alower diameter of approximately 10⅝ inches (approximately 26.9 to 27.0centimeters) so that the bucket has a slight frusto-conical shape. Itwill therefore be appreciated that belts used with stabilizing devicesaccording to aspects of the present invention may optionally be inclinedslightly away from vertical to better engage substantially cylindricalcontainers having a slight taper from top to bottom or from bottom totop. Substantially cylindrical cylinders in association with whichaspects of the present invention may be used may have othernon-cylindrical features as well, such as (without limitation) bottomsthat are not perfectly flat but include features such as an annular rimor lip, or an annular rim or lip about the circumference of the upperedge of the container, or have a perimeter having a somewhat ovoidshape.

One or more currently preferred embodiments have been described by wayof example. It will be apparent to persons skilled in the art that anumber of variations and modifications can be made without departingfrom the scope of the invention as defined in the claims. Moreparticularly, it will be appreciated that various individual featuresfrom different exemplary embodiments described herein may be combined toproduce an embodiment not explicitly shown or described, withoutdeparting from the scope of the present invention.

1. A stabilizing device for a container, comprising: at least one base; and at least one belt secured to the at least one base, the at least one belt having a securing mechanism selectively operable to release that respective at least one belt into an open position and to secure that respective at least one belt in one or more closed positions; wherein, when the at least one belt is secured about a substantially cylindrical container in one of the one or more closed positions with the base resting on a generally flat surface, the substantially cylindrical container is retained in a generally upright position and at least one portion of the at least one base extends beyond an outer perimeter of the at least one belt to receive a user's feet, so that when the user stands on the at least one portion of the base during mixing of contents of the substantially cylindrical container, movement of the substantially cylindrical container is inhibited.
 2. The stabilizing device of claim 1, wherein the at least one portion of the at least one base comprises two opposed foot-receiving elements.
 3. The stabilizing device of claim 2, wherein the two opposed foot-receiving elements are offset from a diameter of one of the at least one belt when the at least one belt is in one of the one or more closed positions.
 4. The stabilizing device of claim 1, wherein the at least one belt has an inner surface having an engaging texture.
 5. The stabilizing device of claim 1, wherein the at least one base comprises telescoping elements each having a proximal end and a distal end, and wherein the at least one belt comprises an upper belt secured to the distal ends of the telescoping elements.
 6. The stabilizing device of claim 5, wherein the distal ends of the telescoping elements are sized and shaped to fit within and engage a handle recess adjacent an upper end of the substantially cylindrical container so as to further inhibit movement of the substantially cylindrical container.
 7. The stabilizing device of claim 5, wherein the base comprises a retaining ring for receiving a lower end of the substantially cylindrical container.
 8. The stabilizing device of claim 5, wherein the at least one belt further comprises a lower belt secured to the proximal ends of the telescoping elements.
 9. A stabilizing device for a container, comprising: at least one flexible belt securable in an encircling and engaging relationship with a substantially cylindrical container of corresponding size; and at least one base, the at least one base comprising at least one foot-receiving element; wherein the at least one belt is secured to the at least one base, and wherein when the belt is secured in the encircling and engaging relationship, the at least one foot-receiving element extends beyond a circumference of the belt so that when a user stands on the at least one foot-receiving element during mixing of contents of the substantially cylindrical container, movement of the substantially cylindrical container is inhibited.
 10. The stabilizing device of claim 9, wherein the at least one base comprises two distinct bases each having a foot-receiving element.
 11. The stabilizing device of claim 10, wherein each distinct base is slidably secured to the at least one belt.
 12. The stabilizing device of claim 9, wherein the at least one base comprises telescoping elements each having a proximal end and a distal end, and wherein the at least one belt comprises an upper belt secured to the distal ends of the telescoping elements.
 13. The stabilizing device of claim 12, wherein the distal ends of the telescoping elements are sized and shaped to fit within and engage a handle recess adjacent an upper end of the substantially cylindrical container so as to further inhibit movement of the substantially cylindrical container.
 14. The stabilizing device of claim 12, wherein the base comprises a retaining ring for receiving a lower end of the substantially cylindrical container.
 15. The stabilizing device of claim 12, wherein the at least one belt further comprises a lower belt secured to the proximal ends of the telescoping elements.
 16. The stabilizing device of claim 9, wherein the at least one belt has an inner surface having an engaging texture.
 17. A stabilizing device for a container, comprising: a base comprising a crossbar member having two ends and a stabilizer member extending substantially perpendicularly to the crossbar member from between the two ends thereof so as to form a T-shape, the base having two opposed foot-receiving elements disposed at the two ends of the crossbar member; and a flexible belt secured to the base, the belt having a selectively operable securing mechanism so that the belt can be released to an open position and secured in at least one closed position, the belt being secured to the base at the two ends of the crossbar member so that the two opposed foot-receiving elements extend outwardly beyond a circumference of the belt when the belt is in one of the at least one closed position; wherein when the belt is in one of the at least one closed position, an inner surface of the belt can engage an outer surface of a suitably sized substantially cylindrical container so as to retain the container with a bottom surface thereof resting on the base and inhibit movement of the container during mixing of contents of the container when a user stands on the opposed foot-receiving elements.
 18. The stabilizing device of claim 17, wherein the inner surface of the belt has an engaging texture.
 19. The stabilizing device of claim 17, wherein one of the at least one closed positions enables the inner surface of the belt to engage a substantially cylindrical container having an upper diameter of approximately 12 inches and a lower diameter of approximately 10⅝ inches. 